Nestled in natural confines on the South Shore, the hamlet of Brookhaven is bounded by the Great South Bay and the lower reach of Carmans River, as well as the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Beaver Dam Creek runs 2 1/2 miles through the middle of the community.

The area's history and rural landscape, peppered with 18th- and 19th-century homes, are preserved through the efforts of several entities.

"They are religious in keeping [the hamlet's] pristine nature," said Garry King, associate broker at Swan Realty in Bellport. "There's a wonderful feeling of an unpretentious, laid-back country style."

"When I come home I can feel myself relax," said Eileen Green, a 35-year resident and broker-owner of Eileen A. Green Realty Corp. in Bellport.

It's not uncommon to spot a deer or properties with horses. "You can still buy fresh eggs from people who have chickens," Green says. The local farm stand, Deer Run, on South Country Road, has a "fabulous setup in the summer," she adds.

Residents also have the opportunity to bring out their inner farmer: The Hamlet Organic Garden, a 5-acre certified Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, grows vegetables, herbs and cutting flowers. Members buy shares and pick up their weekly or monthly basket of produce during the garden's 26-week season.

Those in the community with boats can dock them inexpensively at Squassux Landing The Brookhaven Free Library is in a converted house on Beaver Dam Road.

Brookhaven lacks a substantial downtown district, but residents usually go to Bellport or Patchogue for their needs. Streets, often devoid of lights, feature a variety of house sizes and styles.

The Carmans River Maritime Center runs an education facility, restoring and repairing wooden boats.

-Lisa Doll Bruno (5/27/2005)